Question 1

What is isotretinoin?

Accepted Answer

Isotretinoin capsules, USP Isotretinoin capsules, USP contain 10 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg or 40 mg of isotretinoin (a retinoid) in hard gelatin capsules for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient, isotretinoin, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: propyl gallate, sorbitan monooleate, soybean oil and stearoyl polyoxylglycerides. The gelatin capsules contain the following dye systems: 10 mg – iron oxide (yellow) and titanium dioxide; 20 mg – iron oxide (red), and titanium dioxide; 25 mg – FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Yellow #5 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] , FD&C Yellow #6 and titanium dioxide; 30 mg – iron oxide (black, red and yellow) and titanium dioxide; 35 mg – FD&C Blue #2, iron oxide (black, red and yellow) and titanium dioxide; 40 mg – iron oxide (black, red and yellow) and titanium dioxide. Isotretinoin Chemically, isotretinoin is 13- cis -retinoic acid and is related to both retinoic acid and retinol (vitamin A). It is a yellow to orange crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 300.44. It is practically insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform and sparingly soluble in alcohol and in isopropyl alcohol. The structural formula is: Isotretinoin capsules, USP meets USP Dissolution Test 3. Structure

Question 2

What kind of drug is isotretinoin?

Accepted Answer

The FDA classifies isotretinoin as a retinoid. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that enter skin cells and switch on retinoic acid receptors in the nucleus, which changes how genes are read. This normalizes how skin cells grow and shed, unclogs pores, calms inflammation, and over time boosts collagen production. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Question 3

Can you take isotretinoin with other medicines?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run isotretinoin against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

Question 4

What brand names is isotretinoin sold under?

Accepted Answer

We track 4 isotretinoin-containing products in the U.S.: Absorica, Absorica Ld, Accutane and Sotret. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

Question 5

What forms does isotretinoin come in?

Accepted Answer

Across the brands we track, isotretinoin is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Question 6

Is there a generic isotretinoin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic isotretinoin product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Question 7

Has isotretinoin been recalled?

Accepted Answer

The FDA's Enforcement database lists at least 5 recall records whose product description mentions isotretinoin. The most recent: Claravis (isotretinoin capsule (Apr 6, 2026). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Absorica Boxed warning	Not yet rated	Prescription	Capsule	Generic	$155	View →
2	Absorica Ld

Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
R135	10 mg	blue	oval	—
R136	20 mg	pink	oval	—
RI	30 mg	red	oval	—
R137	40 mg	green	oval	—
570	10 mg	yellow	oval	—
571	20 mg	pink

Isotretinoin: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Key facts

How isotretinoin is dosed

Isotretinoin side effects

Every isotretinoin product we track (4)

What isotretinoin pills look like

Isotretinoin recalls

Frequently asked questions

Who shouldn’t take isotretinoin

Isotretinoin drug interactions